Introduction
Glymed+ might not have the household recognition of some legacy giants, but among professional aestheticians its science-forward formulations have earned a loyal following and more than a few glowing endorsements. I have admired the brand’s clinical yet approachable ethos for years and was intrigued when the Oxygen Deep Pore Masque landed on my desk.
With a name that sounds halfway between a spa treatment and a sci-fi ventilator, this masque claims to “breathe life back into dull tired cells” through a bubbly cleanse that digs deep into congested pores, boosts turnover and uncovers smoother brighter skin. The directions are as straightforward as any mid-week skin ritual: apply post-cleanse, lounge for up to ten minutes, then rinse. Simple enough, but lofty promises beg for proof.
So I put the masque through a full two-week test drive, using it three times each week to see whether those oxygenated bubbles could actually earn their keep and justify a spot in a crowded bathroom lineup. The results, as always, were a mix of pleasant surprises and a few caveats that deserve an honest look.
What is Oxygen Deep Pore Masque?
Oxygen Deep Pore Masque is a rinse-off treatment that sits in the wash-off mask family, meaning it is applied for a short stint then removed with water rather than left to absorb like a leave-on cream. Wash-off masks are popular for delivering a concentrated hit of active ingredients while limiting prolonged exposure that can lead to irritation, making them a handy middle ground between a daily cleanser and a more intensive peel.
This particular formula is positioned as an oxygenating cleanser-meets-mask. It relies on a bubbling action to loosen debris inside pores, a process sometimes called desincrustation, while fruit extracts and mild surfactants whisk away the loosened buildup. The brand frames it as a two-step benefit: first purify congested skin, then encourage healthier cell turnover so the surface looks smoother and more radiant. Recommended use is two to three times per week for five to ten minutes per session, applied after your regular face wash and followed by a thorough rinse.
In essence it is designed for anyone whose skin feels dull or easily clogged but who is not ready to commit to stronger exfoliating acids or clay-heavy detox masks. It promises a deep clean without the tight, stripped aftermath that can accompany harsher purifiers, setting the stage for the rest of a routine to absorb more effectively.
Did it work?
In the name of very serious skincare science I benched my usual wash off mask for a few days before starting the Oxygen Deep Pore Masque, figuring fourteen days was enough time to see what it could really do without any outside interference. I stuck to the recommended three sessions per week, always after my evening cleanse when my face was makeup free and slightly damp.
The first application delivered that fizzy champagne tickle often promised by oxygen masks. Within thirty seconds tiny bubbles formed a foam blanket across my cheeks and T zone, popping softly as they worked. Five minutes later the masque had deflated into a slick film. Rinsing took a little patience but once it was gone my skin felt pleasantly cool, neither tight nor overly moisturised. Pores around my nose looked marginally clearer though the effect was subtle, more like lifting a thin veil of daytime dullness than a deep purge.
By the third use I noticed a pattern: immediate brightness that lasted through the next morning, an almost polished feel to my forehead and zero irritation. What I did not see was any drastic reduction in the stubborn blackheads that set up camp on my chin every summer. They appeared slightly less raised but definitely still visible.
Midway through the second week the masque started to feel routine rather than revelatory. The post rinse glow was still there, yet by day two it had faded back to my baseline complexion. I appreciated that the formula never sparked redness or that lingering squeaky-clean sensation many clarifying products leave behind. Still, congestion along my jawline remained unchanged and I found myself reaching for a salicylic toner to pick up the slack.
After seven total uses I can say the masque makes good on its promise of short term radiance and a gentle deep clean, but only to a point. It is a nice reset when my skin feels clogged after a workout or city air, not a powerhouse overhaul. I will happily finish the tube for those quick pick-me-ups yet I doubt it will earn a permanent slot in my crowded cabinet. For anyone seeking a mild refresh it is worth a try, just keep expectations in check and pair it with something stronger if stubborn congestion is your main concern.
Main ingredients explained
At the top of the deck sit water and glycerin, a classic hydrating duo that keeps the masque from feeling desert dry once it fizzes out. The cleansing muscle comes from a cocktail of gentle surfactants such as sodium lauroyl methyl isethionate and cocamidopropyl betaine which lift oil and debris without the tight after-feel typical of sulfates. When that foam is doing its champagne impression it is partially thanks to perfluoroisohexane, a light fluorinated solvent that helps trap oxygen and create those microbubbles before flashing off the skin.
Fruit enzymes and extracts carry the exfoliating banner. Watermelon, apple and lentil deliver mild enzymatic action that loosens dead cells while panthenol (vitamin B5) and sodium PCA slip in moisture to buffer any potential sting. A trio of fermented botanicals, including wasabi root and sake filtrate, brings a subtle probiotic angle aimed at calming surface flora and keeping irritation in check. Grapefruit peel oil lends the zesty aroma but note that citrus oils can increase photosensitivity so daytime users will want reliable SPF afterwards.
Texture enhancers such as acrylates copolymer, carrageenan and polyhydroxystearic acid build that gel-to-foam consistency. Most are non-comedogenic, though isononyl isononanoate sits in the formula at a modest level and can trigger breakouts in skins that clog easily; comedogenic simply means an ingredient has the potential to block pores and lead to blemishes. Mica and titanium dioxide are here purely for a pearly visual, not for heavy coverage.
The preservative system relies on phenoxyethanol, potassium sorbate and ethylhexylglycerin, a combination considered safe for most users but still worth patch testing if you are extremely sensitive. No animal-derived ingredients appear on the INCI so the masque is suitable for both vegans and vegetarians. From a pregnancy standpoint the blend is free of retinoids and high-dose salicylates yet it does contain essential oils, so I would still advise any expecting or nursing parent to run it past a healthcare professional before adding it to a routine.
One last note for ingredient detectives: the formula skips added dyes and drying alcohols, keeping fragrance to that single grapefruit oil. Overall the ingredient story leans gentle-yet-effective with a few bells and whistles, but nothing so aggressive that it should scare off the average combination skin type.
What I liked/didn’t like
Here is a quick rundown of the strengths and trade offs I noticed during my two week trial.
What works well:
- Instant post rinse brightness that lasts into the next morning
- Bubbly application feels gentle and leaves skin comfortable with no tightness
- Compatible with other actives so it can slot into a routine without causing irritation
What to consider:
- Glow fades within a day or two so consistent use or additional actives may be needed for lasting clarity
- Does not fully dislodge deep blackheads or persistent jawline congestion
- Rinsing off the deflated film takes patience which may deter those seeking a quicker step
My final thoughts
Oxygen Deep Pore Masque sits in that respectable but not quite life changing middle ground. It gives an immediate lift, never roughed up my combination skin and feels miles gentler than many clay or acid based purifiers. After seven spins I can say the 7/10 score fits: it is good at quick brightening and post workout de-gunking yet stops short of the deep declog it hints at. If you are new to wash-off masks, have reactive skin or simply want something that leaves the face refreshed without drama, this is a solid contender. If however stubborn blackheads, hormonal bumps or oil slicks are your recurring villains you will need a stronger supporting act.
Would I recommend it to a friend? Yes, but with the caveat that it serves more as a glow reset than a pore vac. I have tried dozens of rinse off treatments over the years and I feel I gave this one every chance to shine. It never disappointed but it never fully dazzled either, so my suggestion comes with a realistic expectations label.
For readers weighing their options it never hurts to scout around. Deascal’s Pink Clay Glow Mask is an excellent all-rounder that exfoliates, clears pores and brightens in a single sweep while keeping the price pleasantly grounded. If you lean oily the Rare Earth Deep Pore Cleansing Masque by Kiehl’s still reigns for dragging excess sebum out of hiding. Those who crave a mineral rich volcanic detox might prefer Innisfree’s Super Volcanic Pore Clay Mask, a surprisingly mild pick that tightens without over stripping. And for budget friendly targeted exfoliation The Ordinary’s Salicylic Acid 2% Masque gives congested zones a swift reset in ten minutes. I have rotated through each of these and can vouch that they cover a wide range of needs and budgets.
Before you slather anything new on your face a quick patch test is wise (sorry for sounding like an over protective parent). Remember that any glow you gain today will fade if you stop using the product tomorrow so sustained results call for sustained use. Happy masking and may your pores be ever in your favor.